Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Mrs. Wolf's recollections of the James Johnston house near Half Moon Bay |
Object Name |
Manuscript |
Scope & Content |
Mrs. Wolf's recollections of the James Johnston house near Half Moon Bay, c. 1938. Manuscript handwritten in graphite with cursive script on five sheets of yellow lined paper. |
Date |
c. 1938 |
Creator |
Wolf, Mary Hila Griffith |
Catalog Number |
0000.188 |
Collection |
Archival - Manuscript |
Notes |
Manuscript transcription: [Page 1] Mrs. Wolf's recollections of the James Johnston house near Half Moon Bay In the early days of the coast side in Half Moon Bay was built the (at the time) palacial [sic] home of James Johnstone [sic] - Known as the "White House", On a sloping hill 1 mile South of Town; it had a beautiful view of the surrounding country - and sea - [He] lived there with his beautiful wife Patrea [sic] Hara (often spelled De Haro) and 4 children - a girl + 3 boys, and the wifes [sic] mother, called by the family "Maleta", meaning "little mother". Then Isabel came west to be mistress of the house + to mother the boys. The wife + daughter leaving passed away. To those who knew the refined life of the home and the unusual beauty of the house itself, was a never to be forgotten experience. On the south west [sic] to the right of the entrance was the drawing room which I will try and describe - on the South side of the room was a marble mantle, 2 large small paned windows [with the small panes], one on either side - matched by 2 to the west - Walls [all] ivory + gold. The furniture throughout the house [Page 2] was the finest imported mahogany + rose wood. The furniture in the drawing room was rose wood covered with a lovely tapestry. Tables were rose wood and cabinets of rare oriental woods inlaid with mother of pearl; these cabinets were of intricate design of cunning drawers and cabinet work, held marvelous shells corals and rare paintings of birds flowers + butterflies. There were many rich paintings on the wall, the East wall had a marvelous mirror from floor to ceiling - Mantle held a marvelous clock of gold and ormolu - with tall urns on either side of same material, marvelous andirons were there and two enormous pink lined seashells. Carpet [on] all over as was the vogue at that time. A mossy green velvet with flowers you felt [live] gathering. It was also good [firms] to swath the gold frames of pictures + mirrors in soft shirred gause [sic], this was a delicate pink. But above all, the windows were a fairy land indeed - First covered [Page 3] with shades silk + linen a rich ivory yet more or less transparent and were painted in exquisite panels + colors of tropical birds + flowers and running water - A sort of [Wateau] affect [sic] that was amazing - over these from gold cornice, hung delicate lace, and draped over these exquisite brocades draped by cords which ended in gold bells with little clappers, golden cupids held these various cords in little golden hands, as dimpled + natural as a childs [sic]. Wind harps were placed in the windows and as the slightest breeze tinkled the golden bells. The harps whispered sweet minor chords, so entrancing I affirm and will ever declare it was fairy land to be allowed in that lovely spot as a privileged member of the family. Gentle lovely Isabell in her enchanted home on the lovely hills of San Benito - Spanishtown, Half Moon Bay. These were the various names of this sea side [sic] village. [Page 4] The entire place was as delightful but would take too long to tell, the wide gallery + utility part of the house - the great pressed brick chimney - Venitian [sic] blinds etc long gone - The south walled garden with but one entrance from the house. A dream of loveliness, The utility part of the house on wheels - The tinkling silver call bells, the shoof, shoof, of oriental feet - in answer, loaded trays of silver + china and good food. Smiling little queen Maleta - Stately Isabel - the 3 splendid sons - All, All vanished into the dark shadows of time, all, all vanished but my dear memories - being the very last living person to witness + enjoy a vanished early day splendor whos [sic] memories are as bright + dear to me as the daily setting sun - In loving remembrance I sign my full name Mary Hila Griffith Wolf. Only living daughter of Adaline Trimble Harriman and William Westley Griffith. [Page 4, back] Written for Patrea [sic] Cooper Redwood City - The last of the Patrea [sic] - [Page 5] Copied from Jessie Johnstone Fillmores [sic] scrapbook - Oct - 12 - 1938 The Johnstone [sic] family is one of the oldest + best known on the coast side of San M. Co. There were originally eight brothers + sisters. Namely: James, Jane, Thomas[,] Margaret, Isabel, Hannah, William and John - Three of the brothers, James, John + Thomas came to California in 1849 - after making considerable money in the mines, they returned to their old home in Ohio in 1852 where they spent the winter. The following spring in company with William, they brought 800 head of cattle from "the States" to Half Moon Bay. These were the first American cattle brought into Half Moon Bay. They purchased a large tract of land from the old Miramontes grant - and this is what is known as the Johnstone [sic] ranch. These boys were born in Scotland - at an early age came with their parents to Pennsylvania then to Ohio - where some of the younger were born - [W H] Griffith, born in Ohio came to Calif in 1856 - Mr. Griffith helped survey - and bought first lot sold in HM Bay |
Category |
Manuscripts |
People |
Johnston, Isabel Johnston, James Johnston, John Johnston, Petra Johnston, Thomas Wolf, Mary Hila Griffith |
Search Terms |
Architechture Half Moon Bay Johnston Family Johnston House Johnston, Isabel Johnston, James Johnston, John Johnston, Petra Johnston, Thomas Spanishtown Wolf, Mary Hila Griffith |
Subjects |
Architecture Families Furnishings Nineteenth century |
Credit line |
SMCHA Collection |